PAGCOR announced its privatization plan in March during the ASEAN Gaming Summit in Manila, with the goal of returning to a purely regulatory role. Although the government-owned and controlled corporation still has five years to accomplish this task, industry lawyer Tonet Quiogue notes that there are various issues that should be clarified in the coming months.

Although a stricter regulatory framework has been implemented in the country, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is still under heavy scrutiny and pressure to prove that it has the ability to supervise and regulate IGLs (formerly POGOs), says industry lawyer Marie Antonette Quiogue

For lawyer Tonet Quiogue, POGOs have made significant contributions to the Philippine's economy, and authorities should be more focused on enforcing existing laws for the sector, rather than shutting them down.

A House hearing has spurred calls for a POGO ban, escalating the debate. But a gaming lawyer in the Philippines urges focusing on enforcing laws, citing POGOs' economic contributions.

The Philippines found itself on the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) gray list in June 2021 due to junket issues.

PAGCOR is aiming to do just that with its self-run casinos, with a lawyer questioning whether the process will place any limitations on the nationalities of investors. Going forward the group will also have to seek a balance between transparency and openness to investment, as it navigates headwinds.

Sumsub, a full-cycle verification platform, proudly announces its sponsorship of ASEAN Gaming Summit 2024, affirming its commitment to helping gaming companies combat fraud amidst the escalating threat of illicit activities in the region.